Pet friendly camping near Cleverdale, New York offers access to both shoreline and wooded sites within the southern Adirondack region, with elevations ranging from 320 to 1,400 feet in surrounding areas. Most campgrounds remain open from mid-May through mid-October, with average summer temperatures between 75-85°F and nighttime lows around 55-65°F. Sites within 5 miles of Cleverdale typically fill completely during holiday weekends and major summer festivals.
What to do
Kayaking on the Schroon River: Access the water directly from Lake George Riverview Campground where campers can bring their own watercraft or rent on-site. "The river is the attraction at this Campground that provides hours of entertainment... my kids really enjoyed fishing& floating in the river," notes one visitor who rated the experience 4 stars.
Archery practice: Multiple campgrounds offer archery stations for both beginners and experienced archers. "Archery was awesome!" writes Kimberly S. who visited Lake George Escape Campground, giving it 5 stars.
Biking the Warren County Bikeway: This paved path connects multiple campgrounds to Lake George Village and nearby attractions. "Bike trails throughout with a connection to the local bike trails leading to Lake George and Glens Falls area," explains a visitor at Lake George RV Park, highlighting the convenience for campers without vehicles.
Hiking to mountain views: Trails near Moreau Lake State Park range from easy walking paths to moderate summit climbs with lake vistas. "Great hiking in Adirondack Park where trails range from easy to difficult and have some great views of the lake and surrounding area," shares Nancy W., who recommended trails like Pinnacle Trail and Buck Mountain.
What campers like
Private site layouts: Moose Hillock Camping Resorts receives consistent praise for spacious, secluded campsites. "The sites at this park are huge. You could have parked three RVs in our site. Added bonus is that there is nice separation between sites with trees and shrubs that block out your neighbors," explains a camper who appreciated the privacy.
Dedicated dog parks: Several campgrounds have designated off-leash areas. "Best part- the 2 acre dog park with shaded seating for humans, bathrooms and a dog wash station," reports a visitor at Lake George RV Park, noting amenities specifically designed for pet owners.
Individual bathroom facilities: Some campgrounds feature private shower and bathroom units. "The private bathrooms were an unexpected surprise. Each bathroom was large with toilet, sink and shower!" shared a visitor at Lake George Riverview Campground, appreciating not having to use communal facilities.
On-site entertainment options: Family-friendly activities often run throughout the camping season. "There are SO MANY activities in this area... You can mine for gold, chill by the pool or even try your shot at archery! Something for everyone here, teen nights, family days and everything in between," writes Michelle D. about Lake George Escape Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal price fluctuations: Holiday weekends command premium rates with significant price increases. "It was $66/night during the first part of our stay but then jumped up to in-season rates that were $99/night plus $20/night because it was a holiday weekend," reports a camper at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts.
Road noise considerations: Hearthstone Point Campground sites near main roads experience traffic noise throughout the night. "Friday and Saturday night there was a ton of street noise from Rt9," notes Ryan K., recommending sites deeper in the park for quieter evenings.
Varying site quality: Even within the same campground, site conditions can differ dramatically. "Not all sites are created equal though so definitely scout around for next stay and make note of your favorite sites," advises Jessica H. about camping at Hearthstone Point.
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons and other wildlife actively visit campsites after dark. "We were literally bombarded with a group of raccoons each night. It was bad," warns a camper who stayed at Long Island Group, suggesting secure food storage is essential.
Tips for camping with families
Evening entertainment options: Whippoorwill Campsites offers social gathering spaces for children to meet. "There is a fire pit at every campsite along with a large community fire pit to socialize with and meet other campers. It's a great way to let the kids find someone to play with while being supervised," notes Mallory K.
Pool alternatives: When campground pools get crowded, lake swimming areas provide less congested options. "Short walk to beach. You are packed in pretty tight, so don't expect much privacy," shares Tony F. about Hearthstone Point, noting the beach access compensates for denser camping areas.
Transportation options: Some campgrounds offer shuttle service to main attractions. "You can leave your car/RV at your site and take the trolley into town/to the lake to avoid parking in town," explains a visitor at Whippoorwill Campsites, helping families avoid parking challenges in busy Lake George Village.
Educational activities: Wildlife demonstrations and outdoor learning experiences run regularly during summer months. "Animal shows kept daytime events going strong," mentions a visitor at Lake George RV Park, highlighting structured activities beyond typical playground options.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Luzerne Campground and other area sites may require substantial leveling equipment. "Be sure to bring boards to level your trailer for some sites are quite uneven!" warns Michelle D., noting terrain irregularities even at otherwise well-maintained parks.
Hookup positioning: Utilities are inconsistently placed at some campgrounds, requiring longer-than-standard connections. "The water/electric was positioned perfectly that we could have gotten away with using 5-foot connections," notes a reviewer about Lake George RV Park, suggesting this isn't always the case elsewhere.
Site selection strategy: Big rigs should research specific site numbers before booking. "Loop A seems to be the best for big-rigs," advises Nancy W. about Moreau Lake State Park Campground, explaining that "Our campsite was spacious but required some maneuvering to avoid scraping trees with our RV."
Full hookup availability: Sites with sewer connections are limited and book months in advance. "Get a site on the river," recommends Caleb C. about Lake George Riverview Campground, noting these premium locations with full hookups fill quickly despite higher rates.